Genesis 42:5

Authorized King James Version

And the sons of Israel came to buy corn among those that came: for the famine was in the land of Canaan.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הַבָּאִ֑ים

H935

came

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בְּנֵ֣י

H1121

And the sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

לִשְׁבֹּ֖ר

H7666

to buy

to deal in grain

בְּת֣וֹךְ

H8432

corn among

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

הַבָּאִ֑ים

H935

came

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הָיָ֥ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הָֽרָעָ֖ב

H7458

for the famine

hunger (more or less extensive)

#10

בְּאֶ֥רֶץ

H776

was in the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#11

כְּנָֽעַן׃

H3667

of Canaan

kenaan, a son a ham; also the country inhabited by him

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine revelation reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the patriarchal period (c. 2000-1500 BCE) and primeval history provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The ancient Near Eastern world with its creation myths, flood narratives, and patriarchal social structures provided the cultural backdrop against which God's revelation stands in stark contrast. The ancient Near Eastern cosmology and patriarchal society would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Ancient Near Eastern creation texts like Enuma Elish provide comparative context for understanding Genesis's unique theological perspective.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of creation and providence, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
What practical applications emerge from understanding creation and providence as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?

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